November 12th, 2020
The beginning of Quadmester two for new and returning students in the Secondary Distance Learning Program (SDLP) in the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is just around the corner. In today’s update, we would like to share what the first week will look like.
Our First Week in Quadmester 2 – November 16 to 20
The first week will be spent helping students develop or improve their comfort with the virtual classroom environment and begin their learning in Course 1. Refer to the Quadmester 2 Distance Learning Calendar for a look at what the whole quadmester will look like.
Distance learning students should plan for this daily schedule. Please remember to check the SDLP Guide frequently for the latest updates and more information.
8:30 to 1:00 Student VLE Orientation
- Students will not have a scheduled meeting until 1:00
- Students will focus on making sure they can log in to VLE and can see their VLE courses and may find a few activities that that teachers have posted for them to do
- Students should also complete the VLE Orientation
- If you can’t log in or can’t see your classes, or are tech-free, don’t panic, your course 1 teacher will be in touch with you after the 1:00 live meeting
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm: Live Course One
- Teachers will have a live meet with their course 1 students and take part in a short welcome activity to confirm who is able to log on, to get to know each other and to prepare for quadmester two.
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm: Teacher Connect with Students
- Teachers will connect with any students who have not logged in to assist them in getting started
- Teachers will connect using home phone numbers, or will try by email if they are unable to connect by phone
8:30 am to 10:30 am: Learning Block One
- Teachers and students log in to VLE, Focus on learning the technology and building a classroom community.
9:30 am: SDLP welcome assembly.
- The students will watch a Welcome video about Quadmester 2 in the Distance Learning Program from the SDLP Administration.
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm: Live Course One
- Teachers will meet their students and take part in a short welcome activity to get to know each other.
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
- Teachers and students log in to VLE.
- The focus will be on learning the technology and teachers connecting with any students who have not logged in to assist them in getting started
8:30 am to 10:30 am: Learning Block One
- Live morning check-in and announcements
- Synchronous (live) instruction with a focus on building relationships and learning the digital tools need for success in the program
11:15 am to 1:00 pm: Learning Block Two
- Live Google Meets: a mix of small group work, teacher-led work and one on one instruction
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm: Learning Block Three
- Independent (asynchronous) learning
- Teacher available for support via email, live chat, video conferencing, phone or scheduled appointment
8:30 am to 10:30 am: Learning Block One
- Live morning check-in and announcements
- Synchronous (live) instruction and a mix of small group work, teacher-led work and one on one instruction
11:15 am to 1:00 pm: Learning Block Two
- Live Google Meets: a mix of small group work, teacher-led work and one on one instruction
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm: Learning Block Three
- Independent learning
- Teacher available for support via email, live chat, video conferencing, phone or scheduled appointment
8:30 am to 10:30 am: Learning Block One
- Live morning check-in and announcements
- Synchronous (live) instruction and a mix of small group work, teacher-led work and one on one instruction
11:15 am to 1:00 pm: Learning Block Two
- Live Google Meets: a mix of small group work, teacher-led work and one on one instruction
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm: Learning Block Three
- Independent learning
- Teacher available for support via email, live chat, video conferencing, phone or scheduled appointment
Getting prepared for Quadmester Two
There are a few things you can do to help get yourself ready for Quadmester Two.
VLE Orientation
This video will provide an overview of the VLE platform and help students get oriented with this tool.
How to log in to VLE
To access the VLE, students can go to https://wrdsb.elearningontario.ca and login with their WRDSB email address and password.
Digital Code of Conduct
The SDLP Digital Code of Conduct provides guidance for our students and their online activities related to their learning. It includes a commitment for students to protect and respect both themselves and others in their online behaviours.
Expectations in the SDLP Digital Code of Conduct align with the Board’s Digital Citizenship and Character Development initiative concerning general conduct across the system. Character Development is the positive social and emotional development of students that is modelled by all staff and is a key element in fostering a positive, inclusive system and school climate. All technology, information, and resources, and their use, must clearly support these Board goals.
Learn more about the SDLP Digital Code of Conduct and Digital Citizenship.
Technology-free distance learning
Beginning November 16, Distance Learning teachers will connect one on one via phone with their technology-free distance learners. The teacher will deliver content to students not using technology through the exchange of print materials. Ongoing ‘check-ins’ or direct instruction will occur by phone or another agreed-upon method.
More information about technology-free distance learning.
